It was April 15, 1969, and for sailors at Atsugi, Japan, a day that started out like many others. For 30 sailors and one Marine, the Plan of the Day was another reconnaissance flight off the eastern North Korean coast. This day, they're flying aboard Deep Sea 129 (PR-21), a Lockheed Constellation EC-121, a model known among those who loved (or hated) it as the Willy Victor.
These intrepid men were doing what they did, day after day. Little did they suspect that the People's Republic of Korea's Air Force would loose a missile at their aircraft that fateful day.
We lost all 31 dedicated men while they were faithfully serving their country. We remember you, shipmates. We honor you, shipmates. We thank you, shipmates. You gave your lives serving your countrymen.
People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.
We thank you for your dedication and your sacrifice.
